Hello

I am Chris Bird and this is my music website. My works are often classified as part of the new orchestral movement using computer-generated instruments and processing to create a unique auditory landscape. Multilayered sounds arise in which the stability of our sonic reality is entertained and challenged.

The music is part of an ongoing process referencing late classical romanticism, early electronic and 20th century innovation, along with a byte or two of trance. I create work with a clarity of content and an uncompromising attitude towards what is essential.

Listen

This is a mix of Groove Armada’s “I See You Baby” from their 1999 album Vertigo. The hedonistic phrase “Shakin That Ass” is still notable and primitively amusing. My mixes from this period are hopelessly unapologetic electro trance each using similar motifs and samples. The energy accompanied a mania I experienced for months.

When I was a teenager, I found a recording in my parent’s LP collection called Serenade Op. 24 For Septet And Baritone Voice. Composed by Arnold Schönberg, it’s an early example of the techniques he developed to expand music and, although it takes some getting used to, it’s still somewhat listenable compared to Schönberg’s later pieces.

In 1993, when I was 35 years old, I composed a number of hypertechno magnum opuses using a Boss drum machine, a couple of Yamaha synthesizers, and an eight megabyte capacity sampler. None of the compositions used regular meter or time signatures, which made them particularly psychedelic.

I’ve always been fascinated by the soundtracks of foreign movies that are dubbed in English. There is a peculiar detachment in the voices, since the voice actors are in a small room trying to fit their voices and dialog so it appears the filmed actors are actually speaking the lines.

In avant garde music of the late 20th century, there is extensive exploration of alternate methods for playing traditional instruments. Although electronic instruments were established and used regularly for performance during the time, the effect and tonality of an existing instrument remains a unique and novel experience, especially when used in the context of a performance.

More…

There is also an experimental project called Magnets that I have been working on and off for a few years at http://soundcloud.com/siebert-tenseven which is the Siebert Tenseven SoundCloud page, le nom de plume de l'oiseau avec une ambiance scandinave allemand!

Trouble?

This is a download-heavy website that is hosted on a shared server, so there are times when it will not function perfectly. Each file download can be viewed in the horizontal bar included in the media player. Be patient and the files should load correctly. Sometimes it's a good idea to reload the page.

When I started working on the blog section of this website, I added images of keyboard instruments, computer screens and software packaging. When I viewed it I had to control my gag reflex because it was terribly lame, cheesy in every way. It looked like something a desperate 20-something might create.

Since I've always loved vintage photography, I decided to use the material in the blog, placing images with semi appropriate humorous captions loosely related to the subject matter.

This is because it made everything a little more FUN. Even though music is often regarded as one of mankind's most serious pursuits, there are rumors that even Mahler laughed once in a while, but only when nobody was looking.